It's really a shame it took three years for "In July" to reach U.S. theaters, since during that time we've had to suffer through any number of generic, formulaic romantic comedies that didn't have near the charm of this one.
The film is German, and it took that long to find a U.S. distributor (the little-known Films Philos company).
And while it's true that this 2000 romantic comedy is basically a Teutonic riff on the 1985 John Cusack comedy "The Sure Thing" (which was a riff on Frank Capra's 1934 classic "It Happened One Night"),"In July" still has just enough twists and turns and is just light enough on its feet to stand on its own.
While the film's title appears to refer to the name of a month, it actually refers to one of its characters (pronounced "Julie"). July (Christiane Paul) is a student who's busy selling jewelry to raise money for a vacation.
That also gives her a chance to talk to the guy she's sweet on, a hard-working student-teacher named Daniel (Moritz Bleibtreu, of "Run Lola Run"). July sells him one of her rings and convinces him it will bring him good luck — and the woman of his dreams.
However, Daniel doesn't get the hint and instead finds himself with Melek (Idil Uner), a vacationing Turk who makes a strong impression on him during their one night together. So much so that he decides to take a trip to Turkey to find her.
Unfortunately, he doesn't have much money, which means he must be resourceful, especially when the vehicle he borrows breaks down. Along the way, he finds a traveling companion, who turns out to be — you guessed it — July.
Most of the story is told through flashbacks, as Daniel chats up Isa (Mehmet Kurtulus), a somewhat shady-looking driver who gives him a ride. Like a few things in the film, that subplot doesn't necessarily go where you think it will.
Writer-director Fatih Akin also gets winning performances from his leads. And while both are appealing, it's the fresh-faced Paul who makes the strongest impression here. (Which may make the audience wonder how any single guy could possibly overlook her.)
"In July" is not rated but would probably receive an R for scattered use of strong sexual profanity, some drug content (marijuana use, as well as a drugging), violence (vehicular, as well as a bar brawl) and some brief sexual contact. Running time: 99 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com